2023 Public Policy Highlights

Lobbied for Bills that Advance Race & Gender Equity

Our public policy agenda centers racial and gender equity in affordable housing, child care, domestic and sexual violence and reproductive justice. In 2023, there were several bills that were harmful to QT/BIPOC and that restricted access to reproductive healthcare. We spoke out against those bills and supported bills that advanced racial and gender equity.

Hosted a Legislative Break in the House and Senate Chambers

We secured a hard to schedule spot on the Legislative Break calendar, where, for two hours, we spoke with several legislators as we provided issue education about our organization and policy priority areas.

Thanks to Fillings and Emulsions who catered delicious pastries!

Advocated for Funding

Domestic & Sexual Violence Services and Violence Prevention Education

The Utah Legislature approved a historic $12M ongoing and $12.4M one-time funding for victim services. We joined efforts with our statewide partners to demonstrate the need for the state to invest in prevention education and services for survivors of domestic and sexual violence.

Met with Local, State, and Federal Elected Officials

We met with five out of six of Utah's congressional delegation, hosted tours, and held over forty meetings with mayors, city council members, and legislators. In June, we joined over 300 of our sisters from YWCAs across the nation to lobby congress on our top priorities.

Tracked 103 Bills

Through our online bill tacker and action alerts, we kept you informed and up-to-date on 103 bills from our policy priority areas. We took a formal position (support, oppose) on 55 bills.

Legislative Recap & Public Official of the Year Award

After each legislative session, we host a legislative recap where we hear from legislators and community partners who championed policies that advance our mission to eliminate racism and empower women.

In a tradition going back to the 1990s, the Public Policy Committee of the Board of Directors recognizes an outstanding public official who has demonstrated commitment to advancing the well-being of Utah women and marginalized communities in key dimensions of their lives through safety, opportunity, and advocacy. 

This year, we honored Senator Luz Escamilla as Public Official of the Year for her enduring efforts to champion health care coverage for all children and advocate for domestic and sexual violence survivors and immigrants.

What to Expect in 2024!

At YWCA Utah, our mission is bold and through our 2024 Public Policy Priorities, we seek to:

• eliminate racism and empower women through policy analysis that considers how laws burden or benefit those who have been historically marginalized, excluded, or targeted such as communities of color, immigrants and refugees, femmes, non-binary, and QT/BIPOC;

• promote peace by advancing policies that fund and support violence prevention education and domestic and sexual violence services;

• promote justice and freedom through policies that advance economic and reproductive justice so all people have the sufficient means and access to resources, such as a living wage, high quality child care, and reproductive health care that allow them to life the life they choose; and

• promote dignity by advancing policies that increase access to affordable housing.

In January, we will announce our 2024 Public Policy Team, and will add Instagram to the platforms where we share our advocacy work! Check out our 2024 Public Policy Priorities here.